LPU's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPU'S SPS), today is one of the top institutions for pharmacy studies, not just in Punjab but in whole India. LPU'S SPS started its journey in the year 2002, and in this short span of time, the school was easily able to reach up the hearts of the community as they lay their focus in moulding generations of healing hands rather than laying emphasis on creating just professionals.
From the time of establishment, the school imparts undergraduate and diploma courses in the pharmacy field. "Just after the first batch of B Pharm which graduated in 2006, the next year we started M Pharm in the domain of Pharmaceutics," says Dr Monica Gulati, Dean, LPU's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. With time, the school added post-graduate courses in new domains like Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Drug Regulatory Affairs and Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance. "Concomitant to this, PhD was also introduced and currently there are more than twenty scholars enrolled for their PhD degree in our institute," adds Dr. Gulati.
A research lab has been setup with high-end equipment including that sponsored from DST-SERB grants which adds on to the research skills for the faculty and students. UG, PG and Doctorate students for their research work in various fields use all the modern instruments in the laboratories. The faculty members at the School have a blend of academic, industrial and entrepreneurial background. "We are able to inculcate the passion for research in our students by making more than fifty publications in last one year in Scopus indexed journals," pinpoints Dr. Gulati. The faculty members have been able to procure research grants from funding agencies like DST, PSCST and have made a mark in international contests like BioSolve IT challenge.
With a penchant for nurturing diversity amongst the faculty, the LPU's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences happens to be one of the most favoured institutes for international students coming from different countries all across the world
Along with the well-equipped laboratories, the school has an Animal House approved by the CPCSEA wherein the students are able hone their skills to carry out preclinical trials. Herbal Garden of the School, namely, AyushyaVatika houses more than 180 medicinal plant species and is registered with the National Medicinal Plants Board. Students are able to understand the modern cultivation practices by observing the cultivation of plants in Green House, hydroponic and drip irrigation and many more. The school believes in a philosophy of 'passion towards the study field' for which the students are supposed to write an exam just before their selection in the school. "Apart from that, an entrance test is also in place to ensure that the best of the talent reaches the class rooms," claims Dr. Gulati. The students are given hands on trainings on the globally acceptable procedures and software. A 25-bedded hospital with both OPD and IPD facilitates the students to have hands-on experience in pharmacy practice and hospital pharmacy.
Recently the PG students were given training at PharmaVigilance on Lorenz Docubridge (version 5.7),one of the best eCTD softwares with most established standard system for regulatory agencies to compile, publish, manage and review electronic submission. Similarly, students have been trained on LeadIT, ChemDraw Ultra and Chem 3D softwares. A stalwart in the field of IPR, Dr Umesh Banakar who has served as expert in patent litigation all across the world trained the students in finer nuances of IPR. "We believe in motivating our students to create service mindedness in them," adds Dr. Gulati.
Apart from having tie-ups with industrial and clinical organizations like Lupin Ltd, Fortis Hospital, SPS Hospitals and some traditional medicine companies, students regularly encouraged to carry out their research projects under the collaborative guidance of supervisors from Pharma industries like Biocon, MacLeods, Lupin and so on. "The newly introduced concept of mentorship of our M Pharm students by the top most scientists from Pharma giants like Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Merck Ltd, Dr. Reddys and so on further helps students in opening new vistas for them. Apart from this, students are regularly engaged in various consultancy projects received from the industries," Dr. Gulati.
With a penchant for nurturing diversity amongst the faculty, the School happens to be one of the most favoured institutes for international students coming from different countries all across the world. "The department intends to start M. Pharm course in upcoming specializations expertise in which is needed by the contemporary industrial sector. Over the next five years, our school wants to create an environment that will attract and retain outstanding faculty and students for research work. Now we are in an action plan to continue producing top quality research work result in more applications for patent and publications," concludes Dr. Gulati. Now, with a commitment to education and research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences aspires to achieve excellence in pharmaceutical education to enhance the profession for the development the society.
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